UCSB Signs Maragnes to National Letter of Intent

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UCSB women's basketball program has signed Melissa Maragnes of St. Monica High School to a National Letter of Intent it was announced by head coach Carlene Mitchell.

Maragnes is a 6-2 forward, who originally hails from Guadeloupe, a Caribbean island located in the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.

"With the addition of Melissa Maragnes, we have added a powerful athlete to our inside game," Mitchell said. "There is no ceiling on Melissa's potential. She has a strong build and athleticism that you can't teach. She also has a great touch from the 17-foot range, the ability to put the ball on the floor, to attack the rim, and natural rebounding instincts."

Under the tutelage of coach John Skinner at St. Monica HS, she has garnered Second Team All-CIF and First Team All-League honors. She averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds during her junior season and had an average of 20 points and 11 rebounds in her team's playoff run last year. Maragnes also holds the school's single season blocked shots record (60).

"She came to the USA as a 13-year old kid in order to better her life," Mitchell said. "Melissa has worked hard to fulfill her dreams of playing Division I basketball and receiving a top-notch education. We are excited to add someone with her discipline and internal drive to our Gaucho family."

She will join the 2013-14 UCSB freshman class, which includes Onome Jemerigbe (St. Mary's HS) and Mi'Chael Wright (Chaminade HS), who signed with the team earlier this month.

The 2012-13 Gauchos continue action tonight, Nov. 27 as they host USC at 7 pm in the Thunderdome. To purchase tickets, visit the Ticket Office in the Intercollegiate Athletics Building on campus, by calling 805-893-UCSB (8272) or online by clicking here.

Tonight's game will also be broadcast live in Santa Barbara on AM 1290 KZSB and will stream live online here and at NewsPress.com. Mitchell Clements will serve as the play-by-play voice for the Gauchos. Former Los Angeles Lakers and UCSB star Don Ford will handle the color commentary.